Time running out for Caulfield station revamp

The number of people commuting through Caulfield station is set to ­soar, but advocates are worried the station isn’t ready.

Caulfield railway station could ­become a super hub for commuters in Melbourne’s southeast.

Caulfield railway station could ­become a super hub for commuters in Melbourne’s southeast.

Transport advocates are calling for a major upgrade of the suburban station before the Metro Tunnel is finished.

The Victorian Transport Action Group has urged the state government to revamp the concourse at Caulfield ­before overcrowding becomes a problem in 2025.

The group predicts once the Metro Tunnel is completed thousands of passengers will disembark at the station to change lines. A railway to Melbourne Airport will bring even more movement.

VTAG secretary Mike Reece said upgrades worth $50m-100m would prepare the station but governments needed to act fast.

He said Caulfield could ­become similar to Sunshine Station, which has been touted as a passenger hub for regional, metro and airport services.

“The real issue here is timing,” Mr Reece said.

Caulfield train station is set to become busy as more projects are completed. Picture: David Crosling

“It’s time for the minister to get involved, to lay down the law and to get people acting.

“If we don’t recognise there is a serious problem we will be in trouble when more trains start coming through in 2025 or possibly earlier.”

The Andrews government has committed $5.5m to ­improve tracks near Caulfield.

Planning is also under way for the impact of Metro Tunnel services by using higher-­capacity trains.

“The Metro Tunnel and Melbourne Airport Rail will provide enormous benefits for commuters using Caulfield station, delivering turn-up-and-go trains directly to the airport, five new CBD Metro Tunnel stations and all existing City Loop stations,” a government spokeswoman said.